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Intermediate GIS
This course is based on the Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GTCM) - an industry model framework published by the US Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (ETA) to identify industry-specific technical competencies.
Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, the student will be able to:
Identify, collect, and assimilate sources of secondary data, such as: clearinghouse data, digitized data, classified data, COGO, and geocoded data into a GIS.
Edit, query, convert, rectify, georeference, project, transform, geoprocess, validate, import, export, backup, and archive data while utilizing file and data standards and assuring quality.
Query spatial and attribute data by location and utilizing query languages.
Perform proximity, overlay, density, surface, 3D, network, image, and geostatistical analyses on spatial data.
Interpret user requirements to select, install, maintain, and license desktop GIS and GIS-related software.
Implement a GIS project by collecting, creating, assimilating, analyzing, synthesizing, and presenting data and results that satisfy the project goal.
Interpret user needs to generate GIS products with a defined purpose, target audience, and appropriate medium.
Create data, maps, and reports with GIS-industry recognized data standards, cartographic conventions, and reporting methods.
Practice continuing GIS education utilizing formal instruction; academic, professional, and industry publications; software documentation; online resources; peer professionals; on-the-job experiences; and professional certifications.
Course Competencies
The Intermediate GIS Competency-Based Educational (CBE) curriculum is divided into 4 competencies (i.e. modules) - each covering three topics. Course competencies are aligned with the GTCM and reflect the academic, technical, and professional competencies required to excel as an entry-level GIS professional.
1. Competency - There are 4 overarching competencies.
1.1. Topic - Each competency consists of 3 topics.
1.1.1. Performance Criteria - Each topic consists of 5-6 concepts and/or skills.
1. Analyzing Information
1. Analyzing Information
Use the analytical process and GIS workflow to solve geospatial problems and effectively present your results.
1.1. Analyzing Information - Use the analytical process and GIS workflow to solve geospatial problems.
1.1. Analyzing Information - Use the analytical process and GIS workflow to solve geospatial problems.
1.1.1. Define analysis
1.1.2. List four methods for analyzing information
1.1.3. List and explain the steps in the Analytical Process
1.1.4. Classify the GIS Workflow according to the Analytical Process
1.1.5. Georeference an image using GIS
1.2. Geoanalytics - Use geoanalytic models and methods to analyze geospatial data.
1.2. Geoanalytics - Use geoanalytic models and methods to analyze geospatial data.
1.2.1. Define geoanalytics
1.2.2. Describe different geospatial models used in geoanalytics
1.2.3. Describe different geoanalytic methods
1.2.4. Name three GIS software packages used for geoanalytics
1.2.5. Perform geospatial analysis using GIS
1.3. Evaluating Information - Use critical thinking and the analytical process to write an effective executive summary.
1.3. Evaluating Information - Use critical thinking and the analytical process to write an effective executive summary.
1.3.1. Explain how evaluating is part of the analytical process
1.3.2. Compare and contrast analysis and evaluation
1.3.3. Explain the role of critical thinking in the analytical process
1.3.4. List approaches to writing for impact
1.3.5. Write an effective executive summary
2. Vector Analysis
2. Vector Analysis
Create, analyze, and present vector GIS data.
2.1. Vector Proximity Analysis - Create accurate vector GIS data through proximity analysis.
2.1. Vector Proximity Analysis - Create accurate vector GIS data through proximity analysis.
2.1.1. Differentiate between geodesic and planar measurements
2.1.2. Measure feature geometry and classify by attribute
2.1.3. Describe different vector proximity spatial relationships
2.1.4. List and describe different vector proximity geoprocessing tools
2.1.5. Explain what the geoprocessing framework is
2.1.6. Use vector proximity tools to perform a site selection analysis
2.2 Vector Overlay Analysis - Create accurate vector GIS data through overlay analysis.
2.2 Vector Overlay Analysis - Create accurate vector GIS data through overlay analysis.
2.2.1. Described different spatial overlay relationships
2.2.2. Distinguish between vector overlay query and analysis
2.2.3. List and describe different vector overlay geoprocessing tools
2.2.4. Compare and contrast proximity vs. overlay analysis
2.2.5. Use vector overlay tools to perform an impact assessment
2.3 Vector Network Analysis - Create accurate vector GIS data through network analysis.
2.3 Vector Network Analysis - Create accurate vector GIS data through network analysis.
2.3.1. Identify basic network structure elements
2.3.2. Distinguish between a topological, directed, and undirected network
2.3.3. Explain the difference between topological, transportation, and utility networks
2.3.4. Describe how to create and analyze a trace network
2.3.5. Create and analyze a trace network
3. Raster Analysis
3. Raster Analysis
Create, analyze, and present raster GIS data.
3.1. Raster Proximity Analysis - Create accurate raster GIS data through proximity analysis.
3.1. Raster Proximity Analysis - Create accurate raster GIS data through proximity analysis.
3.1.1. Explain how to measure cell and raster geometry
3.1.2. Differentiate between global, local, focal, and zonal raster statistics
3.1.3. Explain how to classify and reclassify raster values
3.1.4. Compare and contrast deterministic and geostatistical interpolation
3.1.5. Compare and contrast simple and kernel density analysis
3.1.6. Use raster proximity tools to create resampled, generalized, interpolated, and density rasters
3.2. Raster Overlay Analysis - Create accurate raster GIS data through overlay analysis.
3.2. Raster Overlay Analysis - Create accurate raster GIS data through overlay analysis.
3.2.1. List different raster extraction tools and their application
3.2.2. Compose a map algebra statement with input, action, and output
3.2.3. Describe the workflow for performing raster overlay analysis
3.2.4. Compare and contrast weighted sum vs. weighted overlay analysis
3.2.5. Use the raster calculator to execute an operation, function, or tool
3.2.6. Use raster overlay tools to perform a suitability analysis
3.3. Raster Path Analysis - Create accurate raster GIS data through path analysis.
3.3. Raster Path Analysis - Create accurate raster GIS data through path analysis.
3.3.1. Explain how distance is measured in raster data
3.3.2. Explain how cost is used to perform raster path analysis
3.3.3. Develop a least cost path analysis
3.3.4. Explain how elevation is modeled in raster data
3.3.5. List analytical products you can create from a DEM
4. 3D Analysis
4. 3D Analysis
Create, analyze, and present 3D GIS data.
4.1. 3D Data - Create and edit accurate 3D GIS data.
4.1. 3D Data - Create and edit accurate 3D GIS data.
4.1.1. Explain how Z-values are located in a vertical coordinate system
4.1.2. Describe the triangulated data model, structure, and attributes
4.1.3. List advantages and disadvantages of the triangulated data model
4.1.4. List and compare 2D, 2.5D, and 3D data types
4.1.5. Create a Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) and geodatabase terrain in GIS
4.2. 3D Analysis - Analyze 3D GIS data.
4.2. 3D Analysis - Analyze 3D GIS data.
4.2.1. Explain 2D vs. 3D measurements
4.2.2. Describe different methodologies for analyzing visibility
4.2.3. Explain how 2D queries differ from 3D queries
4.2.4. Identify 3D proximity, overlay, and connectivity analyses
4.2.5. Perform 3D analysis in GIS
4.3. 3D Visualization - Visualize 3D data.
4.3. 3D Visualization - Visualize 3D data.
4.3.1. Describe the advantages of 3D visualization
4.3.2. Differentiate between a global and local scene
4.3.3. Explain how base elevation is used to display a GIS layer in 3D
4.3.4. Explain how 3D display properties can enhance 3D visualization
4.3.5. Navigate a 3D scene in GIS
ACC GISC 2420 Intermediate GIS Course © 2026 by Sean Moran, GISP is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International. You are free to share (i.e. copy and redistribute) the material in any medium or format with attribution to Sean Moran, GISP and Austin Community College.
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